The top 12 outdoor events in Toronto this winter

The top outdoor events in Toronto this winter take big risks and will push us to get outside to have fun. Check out two very cool art installation projects down by the waterfront or head to BMO field and watch the Leafs play the Detroit Red Wings at a massive outfoor hockey game.

Here are my picks for the top outdoor events in Toronto this winter.

  • Events you might want to check out
    Date
    About the Event
    Location
    • December 31
      Sharpen your skates and skills as Toronto's number one outdoor winter party returns with another stellar lineup of DJs that will bring the heat to your Saturday nights. There's an NYE skate party on December 31 and a skating event every Saturday this winter.
      Harbourfront Centre
    • December 31
      This is Toronto's biggest skating and dance party, complete with fireworks and shows. The fun begins around 8 p.m. with DJs, performers, hot chocolate and of course, a countdown to 2017 just before midnight.
      Nathan Phillips Square
    • January 1
      The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings will face off in an outdoor regular-season game at BMO Field in Toronto on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in the first-ever NHL Centennial Classic. The event celebrates 100 years of hockey with a concert from Bryan Adams and pre-show tailgate party with The Arkells.
      BMO Field
    • January 1
      Join over 500 brave participants on New Year’s Day as they dare to take the plunge into chilly Lake Ontario at the 12th annual Toronto Polar Bear Dip at Sunnyside Beach. Organized by the Toronto Polar Bear Club, this event raises money for Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area. Registration is at 10:30 a.m. and the dip is at noon.
      Sunnyside Beach
    • January 21 - February 26
      Ice Breakers is a month-long public art exhibition that will be showcasing five wintertime art installations at different public locations on Queens Quay. Stretching from Yonge Street to Bathurst, the installations offer an element of interactivity that provoke visitors to ‘break the ice’ with each other. Get it?!
      Various locations along Queens Quay
    • January 21-22
      This winter weekend farmer and street food market features chef demos, workshops, special guest chef appearances and lots of open air fun. Learn to make frozen wild blueberry snow ice pops, check out vendors like Chorizo La Abuela, Wafel Bar and Indian Street Food or just walk around in the trails and relax.
      Evergreen Brick Works
    • January 22
      Starting on the Martin Goodman Trail at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #344, this annual winter run organized by Mountain Equipment Coop is either a 5 or 10 kilometre run depending on how brave you are. The trails are gorgeous and there will be chip-timed results, food and drink provided by local businesses.
      Royal Canadian Legion Branch 344
    • February 11
      There will be 40 Ontario craft brewers on site and an assortment of craft cider producers waiting for you to sample their goods in the great outdoors. New this year, they're offering a taste of the west with a showcase of breweries from Alberta Small Brewers Association. This year, they'll also have a simulated curling rink, fire pits, local food trucks, ice carving, and an apres-ski dance party.
      Steam Whistle Pilsner
    • February 20 - March 27
      Winter Stations is back for its third year and once again, it's inviting Torontonians to get outside to explore the city’s waterfront. This year, the public art exhibition will transform six lifeguard stands at Balmy, Kew and Ashbridges Bay beaches.
      The Beach
    • March 5 - April 3
      Pretend you're in the deep woods of Quebec and head to Toronto's own maple syrup fest in Vaughan. There will be demonstrations, wagon rides, activities and pancakes and real maple syrup.
      Kortright Centre for Conservation
    Lead photo by

    NHL

Lead photo by

NHL


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